2002 Saturn L series
This is the "big" saturn. The one they have been trying to sell against the Camry and the Accord.

NOT the smaller "S" series, for which Saturn is famous for. When it first came out, the "small" Saturn was an all new car, with nothing to do with other GM car. It even had its own brand new factory, to ensure new levels of quality.

And it pretty much worked. The small Saturn ended up being very reliable, and most owners love them.

But this larger "L" series is VERY different.

It is not built in the Saturn factory. Instead it is made where the Chevy Malibu is assembled. The Malibu is not the most reliable car on the market.

And the car itself, is mostly a mismatch of Opel parts. Opel is a German brand owned by GM.
That doesn't make a bad car, but all the stuff that made Saturn special is not really there anymore.

But it still have the cool "plastic" body panels, and the polite dealers.

The 1st thing I noticed inside, is the ugliest steering wheel I ever saw. And there is no way to avoid it. It looks like it came out of an old 70's design.

And when you drive and actually use it, it is extremely over boosted. Almost like a 70's car. Which could work in an old fashion car like a Buick, but not really in a modern car that competes with imports.
The second thing I noticed, is how fake the fake wood looks.

And it looks like it was added at the last minute. Like if they were afraid to make a truly modern car.

I drove the 4 cylinder engine. Also from Opel. It is a very nice engine. It has good power, and sounds very good, even sporty, when you push it. But why put this sporty sounding engine in a family car?

The transmission was about perfect.

But the ride was quite harsh. Even annoying after a while. Not at all what I would want for a family car.
If you have spent some time in any Opels recently, this should look pretty familiar. A lot of interior parts look like they are taken from the German cars. But somehow, it doesn't look as good.

Also, after just a few miles, a couple of strange noises were coming out of the engine compartment.
CHECK THIS OUT !!!!

These are the first pictures of the revised 2003 LS. As you can see, not much has change, this is not a brand new design.

But everything behind the rear door, and everything in front of the windshield is new. It now looks even more like a japanese car.

The interior is slightly revised, with brushed aluminum replacing the awful fake wood. Door panels have also been upgraded. Overall, these changes make the car much better. Let's hope the suspension has also been re tuned for a more comfortable ride.

It is pretty hard for me to figure out who this car is made for. It rides very harsh, yet has a very soft steering, like an old Buick. That kind of steering also doesn't go with a sporty engine.

I don't think if fits what younger families are looking for in a car. And it's too small and rides too roughly to attract older people. So who is buying this car?

It is better than the smaller Saturn. But usually, larger, more expensive cars are better than smaller cheaper ones.

And reliability seems barely average. Make sure you check the competition, which might even be cheaper if you spend time chopping around.

_ Toyota Camry. Quiet, reliable, smooth, and now, much better looking. You can't go wrong.

_ Honda Accord. Reliable. But in it's last year. A brand new one comes out in September 2002.

_ Nissan Altima. A great design and V6 engine. But maybe the cheapest looking interior in the business.

_ Nissan Maxima. Yes, you could get a deal on a Maxima, and get it for the price of the Saturn.

_ Chrysler Sebring. Good looking, and cheaper.

Find out more over HERE

MAIN